Karlie Phoon

Doctor of Medicine & Bachelor of Biomedicine
Malaysia

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“As one of the top medical schools in the world, the University of Melbourne appealed to me for the chance to study alongside some of the brightest minds and learn from leaders in the medical field. The research scholar pathway is particularly exciting to me, as I’ve always wanted to further develop my research skills.”

Karlie started the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2024, after completing the Bachelor of Biomedicine (Major: Neuroscience) also at the University of Melbourne in 2023. Prior to this, she completed Trinity College Foundation Studies in 2020.

Karlie was awarded the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship in 2021.

Karlie Phoon

  • Since high school, I’ve had a deep interest in neuroscience and a strong desire to learn more about the human brain. I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Biomedicine with a major in Neuroscience because it also offers a comprehensive understanding of the human body. The University of Melbourne stood out to me because of its fascinating courses. Not only do we study the biology of the brain, but we also learn to code and build artificial neural networks.

    As one of the top medical schools in the world, the University of Melbourne appealed to me for the chance to study alongside some of the brightest minds and learn from leaders in the medical field. The research scholar pathway is particularly exciting to me, as I’ve always wanted to further develop my research skills.

  • Bachelor of Biomedicine

    I really enjoyed the second-year compulsory subjects because they provide a broad understanding of the human body rather than focusing on specific areas. Even though I didn’t major in Microbiology, I gain valuable basic lab skills in that field from this subject. While the learning curve is steep, the abundance of resources available makes it easier to grasp the material.

    Doctor of Medicine

    I value that MD program for offering early clinical placements, which allow us to gain hands-on experience in hospitals and GP settings while building confidence in patient communication. It’s exciting to translate the theoretical knowledge we learn in class into real-life practice. I believe this early exposure will make the transition to the clinical years easier in the future. The supportive and friendly nature of my cohort fosters a positive learning environment and encourages me to step outside my comfort zone.

    Location

    The University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The CBD is just 10 minutes away (you can go exploring after class!), and Princes Park is only a short walk away if you like running. There’s plenty to do to make your university experience both enjoyable and fulfilling.

  • As I’m still early in my degree, I’m keeping an open mind about potential career pathways. The MD program offers opportunities to explore various specialties through clinical placements. The annual MD Student Conference (MDSC) also provides a valuable opportunity to discover different career pathways after graduation and learn clinical skills from specialties we might not have encountered yet.

  • Getting involved in clubs and societies that interest you is a fantastic way to connect with people from other degrees and potentially form close friendships. It’s a great way to make the most of your university experience!

    The University of Melbourne provides a strong foundation of knowledge for all students. The lecturers are genuinely dedicated to helping you succeed, so don’t hesitate to ask for support if you have any questions.

Learn more about the Doctor of Medicine

Learn more about the Bachelor of Biomedicine